Hines Ward is now listed as probable to play in Super Bowl XLIII on the NFL's official injury report, and what little doubt does exist is rapidly receding. On Friday the Pittsburgh Steelers receiver participated fully in practice for the first time since straining his knee during the AFC Championship game, and head coach Mike Tomlin said his team as a whole were now back to full strength.

"I feel great about our preparation,'' said Tomlin said at the end of a 1hr 50min practice session, adding that to his mind Ward's status had "never been in question". "Of course, you evaluate your preparation by your performance in the game, but I think the guys understand everything they have to do entering the game.''

Concerns had also been raised over the condition of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who took a dangerous hit to his lower back during the AFC title game, and was reported to have undergone X-rays on his back this week. Tomlin has always denied such claims, however, and Peter King, the pool reporter designated to cover Steelers practice on behalf of all journalists in Tampa, noted Roethlisberger looked "sharp" on Friday.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt was similarly upbeat after his team's practice, though three of his players are listed as "questionable" for Sunday's game. Punter Ben Graham, running back J.J. Arrington and defensive end Travis Laboy remain limited by groin, knee and biceps injuries respectively.

"I thought it was a good week of work," said Whisenhunt, suggesting his decision to keep the team out on the east coast between road games against the Washington Redskins and New York Jets in September had helped his players prepare for the experience. "You always wonder when you go on the road and your team is practicing in another facility if your team will have the consistency that they've had. No question it helped us that we've already done this once this season."